Confidence can open doors and is at the heart of so many amazing success stories across industries and disciplines and so we’ve always been interested in learning how we can help our readers and community members increase their confidence and self-esteem. Below, you’ll find highlights of some of the great conversations we’ve had on this topic.
Mickey Carolan
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was confident from the cradle, but it was pretty close. Being a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) definitely jumpstarted my confidence. Most kids don’t navigate grown-up communication until later, but for me, it was practically kindergarten. My memoir, “Mom Dad Not Hear,” even has a whole chapter dedicated to it, called “Heavy are the hands that form the signs.” It gives you a peek into my unique world as a CODA. Read more>>
GEOFFREY GORMAN
I grew up in a creative family and was allowed to pursue my own artistic interests from an early age. Later, I attended Art School and also studied custom furniture design. The more skilled I became as an artist, the more confident I felt in my creative abilities. Read more>>
Berenice Lopez
I develop my confidence every moment every year that pass with new experiences,like having my children develop on mi a confident a strength to go on a knowing that I can do anything I want . Read more>>
Anna Gahramanov
In our journey with Car Geeks Collision, my husband Russ and I started from the ground up. With no formal background, we immersed ourselves in books and self-education, learning every aspect of our trade. This experience wasn’t just about growing a business; it was a deeply personal journey of building ourselves from the inside out. Read more>>
Christina Benge
Starting my own business has helped seed out any self doubt I’ve ever had in myself, just taking that step and seeing it through helps motivate me and my confidence in what I provide and do for others. Seeing and hearing of the delight and joy that I can help share with others for their gatherings and celebrations drives my positive outlook on myself and what I do. Read more>>
Carlos Echeverria
For the most part I’d have to say its from my mother. Never in my life have I ever seen her face something head on in fear or insecurity. Although I have many times, I always think of how she would tackle that specific moment, and its a daily reminder that being raised by an incredible, loving and confident human, can help in navigating life. Read more>>
Pia Silva
Over the years, my journey towards building confidence and self-esteem was not swift but gradual, paved with endeavors that challenged me deeply and sometimes ended in failure. But I think it’s the experience of failing and getting back up and being willing to try again that really builds the grit that leads to true confidence. Read more>>
Erin Tanner
For many of us, the path to self-discovery isn’t a straight line. Growing up, I felt like a chameleon, constantly adapting to my surroundings. There wasn’t a strong sense of “Erin,” but rather a reflection of the people and situations around me. This constant shapeshifting left a void – a nagging question of who I truly was and what I wanted to achieve. Read more>>
Dianna Manoogian
For unknown reasons, this begun when I was little. My mother always told me “it’s none of your business what others think of you”. There really isn’t a truer statement. In not having that burden, I was able to move through life with a little more ease than others. Read more>>
Noble Lockhart-Mays
I developed my confidence from my mom and my self-esteem from my dad. My mom taught us to hold on to our faith and know that God would not bring us to what he would not bring us through. My dad always told me and my brothers that we held his last name “Lockhart” and Lockharts are great people. We were encouraged to lift our heads high and show the world how great we were in every circumstance. Read more>>
IMRAN HASNEE
I have developed my self-esteem and confidence over time, primarily through self-awareness and self-acceptance. Initially, I experienced some apprehension when speaking in public or discussing my studies with others. However, through personal growth and learning experiences, I have cultivated techniques to navigate these situations effectively. Read more>>
Lisa Acebo
I began dancing at a very young age and I believe strongly that it helped me develop my confidence and self esteem. I enjoyed dance and became very proficient at a young age. I was always placed in classes with others that were a good bit older than me, so I was constantly challenged. As a young dancer, I had to constantly prove that I belonged where I was and it forced me to believe in myself which in turn helped to build my confidence and self esteem. Read more>>
Jessica Velazquez Rodriguez
Hahaha, I definitely wasn’t born with it. I can thank my mother for my high level of self-esteem. From the moment I was born, my mom would sing “bella, bella, bella” to me while either looking at me, holding me, or while holding me in front of a mirror. It seems pretty narcissistic, but it 100% developed a love for myself, not just for my appearance. Read more>>
Hannah Reed
The two things that have helped me develop my confidence and self-esteem are measuring myself against my own wins and reciting affirmations every day. The book, The Gap and the Gain, by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan taught me that the best way to develop confidence is to set my own measure for success while regularly reflecting on my wins throughout my life. Read more>>
Rachel Darden
My confidence is tied to knowing who I am in Christ. My relationship with Him is the foundation on which I set everything else. Knowing that He goes before me and orders my steps gives me the confidence to achieve my goals in life. I also have a great support system that uplifts me and cheers me on along the way. Read more>>
Adria Arch
I am a professional artist, which means that I spend every waking hour either making my work or putting my work out in the world. Now 40 years into this career, I can look back and say that knocking on the doors of the art world has been humbling. But about 15 years ago, I decided to find out what I needed to do to get my work seen, and that is what turned around my confidence as an artist. Read more>>
Amy Beyer
I began my self-awareness journey fairly early in life. I consider myself an extravert now, but growing up with a weight issue, I tended to hang back to avoid any attention that typically came with teasing from some of the “cool” kids. I wasn’t interested in or good at sports. I wasn’t the intellectual type and didn’t really care about getting good grades. Read more>>
Kathleen Lisson
Confidence can be described as relying on or trusting in the truth of something. With massage therapy, confidence comes when a therapist successfully use their skills to help their client. Time after time, students of my continuing education classes mention that taking the class has improved their confidence. Read more>>
Aazam Irilian
Building your confidence does not happen overnight and takes a lot of time and work. It is one of the most difficult processes to begin—well, it’s obvious why—because you do not trust yourself to do or say the right thing. It’s a never-ending process. Even those who present themselves with the highest level of confidence have areas they are working on, questioning their decisions—they just don’t show it. Read more>>
Sophie Taylor
I was born to create. As a kid, I used to cut magazine clippings to make custom birthday cards for my family, and as I grew, my skills and creativity grew too. But when I entered the wedding industry as a calligrapher branching out into invitation design, I was plagued by self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Elsa Wörmann
I believe it is beneficial to have moments of self-doubt, as they have lead to self-reflection and growth for me. But My self-esteem is on fire when I’m busy, creating meaningful work, engaging in independent thinking, and when I’m being a supportive friend! Read more>>
Freya McGregor
I’ve always been happy to talk with people. My parents tell me that when I was three or four, if I was given a new toy I would put it aside immediately and talk with the adults who just gave it to me. I remember being maybe six or seven, and my parents hosting a community meeting in our family room one evening. It was my bedtime, but I wanted to stay up and talk with everybody. Read more>>
Carlos Martinez Leon
My journey toward self-confidence discovery was, like that of many, a long and tortuous pilgrimage, a path that led me through valleys of doubt and mountains of self-questioning. For years, I found myself trapped in the seductive snare of trying to mold myself into the image of someone I was not, eagerly trying to resemble others, obsessively studying the masters, attempting to imitate them, and learning everything I could from them, instead of seeking it within myself. Read more>>
ERICA CRAWLEY
I developed my confidence and self-esteem when I discovered and fell in love with me. Also, becoming a mom to an impressionable daughter pushes me to want to exude confidence because I am my child’s first role model. I understand It’s my obligation to show all qualities of a confident woman, through my clothes, how I walk, how I talk, how I treat others and most importantly how I treat myself. Read more>>
Joseph Cinney
I was the fortunate youngest of a large family. My parents always encouraged every child to have and express an opinion on various topics, usually while having dinner together. We were always urged to express ourselves, feel comfortable with our opinions, and learn from each other. Read more>>
Khadijatou Jammeh
Growing up, I struggled with embarrassment over my Gambian heritage, skin color, and name. I would not even speak my parents native tongue in public. These insecurities eroded my confidence. However, as I matured, I embraced my identity, appreciating the strength in my roots as a Gambian American Muslim woman. Read more>>
Sasha Kushevarova
I believe that basically everything starts from being confident in yourself. During one of the courses I took in a past, I got asked a question: Who is the only one person that’s with you from the moment you were born till the end of your life? The answer is simple. It is ME. People often forget about this. When I ask my clients please name 3 people who you love the most, they usually say: mom, dad, husband, kids etc… Most of them forget about who should actually take the first place. Read more>>
Mrinal Gokhale
My short answer is that building confidence included learning about how I’m wired, along with my likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. Let’s start with the career aspect. Years ago, an article I read stated that people often want a career involving helping others or “making a difference” because they want to feel purposeful. That struck me, and I learned over time that I am worth more than a career and that I have more than a job going for me. Read more>>
Jessica Pitre
In reflecting upon my journey towards developing confidence and self-esteem, I’m reminded of the invaluable lessons imparted by my mother during my early years. As a child, my mom used to have so many discussions with me about things such as building confidence and not caring what others thought of me. I used to listen to what she was trying to convey to me, but ultimately the principles she was talking about felt so abstract. Read more>>
Darwin Akash
Confidence stems from diligent practice in specific tasks, fostering a strong belief in one’s abilities. Excessive rumination can lead to squandered time and health concerns. To cultivate confidence, understanding the regulations and methodologies pertinent to the task is essential. Adhering to good practices enhances self-assurance. Clarity in objectives and boundaries is crucial; mastering the art of refusal, although challenging, is equally important as acquiescence. Read more>>
